Is MLB Headed for Another Lockout? What the Dodgers’ Spending Really Means
What Los Angeles’ spending power reveals about the challenges and opportunities facing Kansas City
On the latest episode of One Royal Way, Joel Penfield returns with a wide-ranging, thought-provoking look at the current state of Major League Baseball — sparked by the Dodgers’ latest blockbuster signing and what it signals for the future of the sport.
Penfield reacts to the Dodgers once again flexing their financial muscle, landing another superstar free agent and reigniting the debate around competitive balance, payroll disparity, and whether MLB is headed toward a major labor showdown after the 2026 season.
While acknowledging the frustration felt by small-market fans, Joel offers a nuanced perspective: the Dodgers aren’t “ruining baseball” — they’re simply maximizing a system that currently allows it.
The episode dives deep into the realities of baseball economics, discussing luxury tax gaps, the potential for a salary cap or floor, and why neither solution would magically fix poorly run organizations. Penfield also explains why teams like the Royals could actually benefit from structural changes, while emphasizing that spending alone doesn’t guarantee championships.
The show closes with thoughts on the Royals’ upcoming season, the impact of moving the Kauffman Stadium fences, and why this year feels especially important with the possibility of a future lockout looming.
It’s an honest, stream-of-consciousness breakdown for fans who want more context — not just hot takes.